Spurs eulogize Oberto’s career, but not Oberto

At first, it sounded as if the Spurs were eulogizing Fabricio Oberto after Friday’s practice. Reacting to news that Oberto, a former teammate, had retired at age 34 from the Portland Trail Blazers due to a recurring heart condition, players and coach Gregg Popovich spoke often of Oberto in the past tense.

He was a great guy. He was a great teammate. He was a big part of the Spurs’ championship program.

“Just being around him,” Tony Parker said, “made you a better person.”

But the Spurs weren’t eulogizing Oberto the man on Friday, only Oberto the NBA player. And that, Popovich said, is a good thing.

“I’m happy for him,” Popovich said. “He’s made the decision it’s not worth it to push his physical situation.”

In April 2007, just months before he’d help the Spurs win their fourth NBA title, Oberto was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a condition that caused his heart to flutter on occasion. He suffered three episodes over a two-year span. Each time, after the team’s medical staff electro-shocked his heart back into rhythm, then cleared him to return to the court after a few days.

After Oberto experienced a similar episode Tuesday in Portland, he apparently decided enough was enough.

Manu Ginobili, who has known Oberto since the two teamed up in Argentina in 1997, talked to his friend on the phone hours after his retirement was made official. Oberto told him the decision was not doctor-prescribed. He just decided, on his own, it was time.

“After what happened before, he’s always been very cautious,” Ginobili said. “Once he felt something again, he said, ‘OK, I’m done.’ He didn’t know how much gas he had left in the tank. At the first doubt, he said he’s going back home.”

That’s the other part of the Oberto saga. He’d begun hanging out in his native Argentina more this offseason, and spending more time with his wife and 5-year-old daughter. He was ready to get on with his life, while he still had that option.

Part of Oberto’s future plans will no doubt involve work with the winery he co-owns in Argentina, a passion that Popovich shares.

“He’s going to become the No. 1 vintner in the world now,” Popovich said.

And so, Friday was not a day of mourning at the Spurs practice facility. Oberto is still living and breathing, walking the earth, playing guitar and making wine.